Malawi President pardons jailed gay coupleMalawi President Bingu wa Mutharika on Saturday announced the pardon of a jailed gay couple who were sentenced to 14 years for holding the country’s first same-sex wedding.
The President made the decision after discussions with visiting UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon.
Mutharika who is also chairman of African Union has since ordered the immediate release of the gay couple.
“I have decided that with effect from today, they are pardoned and they will be released,” President Mutharika told a battery of reporters after meeting UN boss.
Steven Monjeza, 26, and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, 20, were given 14-year jail terms after being convicted of gross indecency and unnatural acts.
They were told by Magistrate Nyakwawa Usiwa Usiwa they would also serve hard labour as a warning to other gay people in the country.
“These boys committed a crime against our culture, our religion and our laws,” said the Malawi President.
“However, as the head of state I hereby pardon them and therefore ask for their immediate release with no conditions.”
He added: “I have done this on humanitarian grounds but this does not mean that I support this.”
The case has sparked international condemnation and a debate about homosexuality in the country.
Madonna Has spoken out and campaigned for their release! Bravo to Madonna!
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